Viola Lessons in Buchanan, NY

Instruments: Violin Viola

I have played the violin since I was five and have spent over 20 years in the study of the instrument in my professional background. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

I have been teaching for close to 30 years and enjoy the challenge of working with students of all ages, levels, strengths, and styles. I have taught violin, music theory, chamber music, and repertoire throughout my career. Previous faculty positions include San Jose String Academy, Sierra Music Academy, Texas Christian University Preparatory Division Extended Education, and New Jersey Music School. As a chamber musician, I served for four years as first violinist of the Greystone String Quartet and collaborated with Anna Kruger, founding violist of the Lark Quartet. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I am a very laid-back teacher. My belief is that music is fun. I encourage my students to have fun. Too many teachers make music all about practice and drilling. While practicing and drilling is definitely a part of learning, it is not the end-all be-all. Music needs to be enjoyed for what it is - fun! I have had teachers who have sucked the joy out of learning for me, and I strive to make sure that never happens for my students. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

I cater the lessons towards the individual needs of the students.  For beginning students 6 years old and under, I prefer to use Shirley Givens' books, "Adventures In Violinland", along with Suzuki materials through rote memorization.  When the student is 5 or 6 years old or older, I like to use Suzuki materials but supplement with note reading right away.  Also, I love it when a student brings a specific piece of music in that they would like to play, whether it is from the classical repertoire, or jazz, pop, etc. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Viola Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My music pedagogy is influenced by Zoltan Kodaly, mile Jaques-Dalcroze, Edwin Gordon, and Carl Orff. For teaching violin, while I employ elements of the Suzuki Method, Strictly Strings, and Metodo Nicolo Violin to instill discipline and establish ,precision, I set up a lively, interdisciplinary, and creative environment by incorporating calisthenics, games, dancing, singing, and storytelling to encourage versatility and innovation. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola Double Bass

I work in partner with students who are enrolled in public school lessons, and incorporate their school's method book (i.e. Essential Elements 2000 or similar), as well as rudimentary exercises and pieces appropriate for their level. I am a strong advocate of Kreutzer etudes, Hrimaly scales, and Suzuki pieces as learning tools. I guide my instruction based around the students' ability, needs, and goals. I believe that learning music is a constant conversation between student, teacher, and any others involved (parents, guardians, siblings, school music teacher), and like to keep communication open with weekly notes and homework assignments recorded in a music notebook. Read More